HARARE – President-elect Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised to set up an independent inquiry after his inauguration.

The independent inquiry will investigate events that led to the death of six people when violent protests erupted in Harare on Wednesday, 01 August 2018.

On Wednesday the 1st of August just two days after the 2018 harmonised elections, when the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) was announcing results for the National Assembly votes, some MDC Alliance supporters took to the streets claiming Monday’s election was rigged.

According to the police, the violent protests left six people dead, 14 injured while 22 shops in the central business district were vandalised, putting a dent on the elections which had been conducted peacefully.

In an interview, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Retired Lieutenant General Dr Sibusiso Moyo cautioned the world not apportion blame before the outcome of the inquiry to be set-up by President Mnangagwa.

The minister explained that the police constitutionally requested military back-up because the ZRP officers were over-stretched having manned up to 11 000 polling stations countrywide.

“The law provides for military support to civil, operate under the command of the police, President promised an independent enquiry, let’s wait,” he said.

Dr Moyo said the loss of lives is very regrettable and it should be contextualised realistically, taking into account the unfolding volatile situation that had engulfed the capital.

“The situation in town was getting untenable, the circumstances were different, and premature to judge. The nation is going through an emotional process, following negative results for some,” said Dr Moyo.

He dismissed assertions that there was discord in the victorious ruling Zanu PF party’s leadership adding the stage is set for the President-elect Mnangagwa to take full charge of the country’s destiny, and those who are saying his win is not convincing are just trying to mislead the people.

“Obama won with 0.8%, he got mandate and full executive powers. Zanu PF got two thirds majority to change laws and leap frog the country forward. There is no coma of power,” added Minister Moyo.

International, regional as well as local election observation missions concurred that the 2018 harmonised elections were conducted peacefully and orderly which opened doors to strengthen the country’s democracy.